Edith Falls Shoemaker

Edith Mae Shoemaker, 88, was born April 13, 1913 in Oscelon, Texas the daughter of Charley and Katherine (Hill) Falls. She was one of seven children born to this union. She died Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, NM following an illness. Edith attended school at Woodberry, Texas. At age 16 Edith married Judson Lo Shoemaker. One son Ronald Judson Shoemaker was born to this union. Ronald died of Polio in 1959 at the age of 21. Edith was a Christian, a member of the Church of Christ since age 13. She lost both her mother and father by the time she was 13, and was raised by an older brother and sisters. She was a hard worker all her life. Edith and Jud were house parents at the Christian Children’s Home in Portales, NM for 61/2 years. They were caretakers at Camp Blue Haven for 31/2 years. Edith worked in a nursing home. She was an unpaid nurse to many. She always had a pot of something extra for others to eat. She had many friends because she was a friend to many. She said her fondest memories were her childhood. Her favorite color was red. Her favorite song was “In The Sweet By and By” which her husband used to hum around the house. When asked recently what she would do differently if she had her life to live over she said. “Not one thing, I’ve enjoyed every minute! No regrets!” Edith had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a funny story. She would tell anyone that Fort Sumner was where she wanted to be. Edith had beautiful blue eyes and a quick and frequent smile. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Ronald Shoemaker in 1959, four sisters Aleata Wilson in 1988, Jettie Wector in 1928, Lora Bateman, Blanche McMahan, and a brother Clinton Falls in 1988. Survivors include one sister May Dell Cypert of Hillsboro, Texas along with a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 18, 2002 at the Church of Christ in Fort Sumner with Mr. Skip Clark officiating. Burial followed at Fort Sumner Cemetery. It was Edith’s wish that memorial contributions be made to the Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236 Portales, NM 88130 or Fort Sumner Cemetery Association P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, New Mexico 88119. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner.